Friday Things

1. I mentioned last week that we got a new addition to the family; without further ado, allow me to introduce… Duke! He’s also a Golden Retriever and is two months old today. We’re loving our new little guy; he has a cute personality and is definitely keeping us on our toes (as well as sleep-deprived). He and Einstein are slowly getting acquainted; they’re beginning to play quite a bit, they’re stealing each other’s toys, and poor Einstein is getting his ears and tail assaulted on a daily basis. He’s been a good sport and seems to be protective over Duke. I think they’re going to be inseparable BFFs!

2. Speaking of being sleep-deprived, getting a puppy is not a good time to try to give up Diet Coke. As a result, I made a big pitcher of iced coffee to get me through some puffy-eyed days. I’ve been doctoring it up with Torani chocolate syrup and half-and-half. I think my next step is going to be making a homemade mocha frappuccino. Does anyone have a good recipe? I love the Starbucks version.

3. If you’re bummed that summer produce is coming to an end, check out this awesome DIY tutorial on how to make your own dried fruit. Love, love, love this! I definitely want to try it!

4. I have struggled with getting into a good cleaning routine since we moved back at the end of May. Does anyone have any recommendations for putting together a schedule? I found this daily cleaning schedule on Pinterest that I might give a shot. If nothing else, with two Golden Retrievers, I know we’re going to vacuuming pretty much everyday!

5. I swear that one of these months I’m actually going to complete a photo challenge. Here is the September one from Fat Mum Slim, I’m going to give it a shot:

6. I had my fantasy football draft this past week, which is always fun. Are any of you playing this year? How does your team look? I think I had a pretty good draft with a balanced team; Yahoo gave my draft a “B”… good enough for me!

7. More importantly, my Chief Culinary Consultant and I started our ticket purchasing for Penguins games this season… bring on the chilly air rising up from the ice, the sound of skate blades cutting through ice and the blaring goal horn. I am more than ready for hockey to begin! Only a little over a month away now!

8. I’m still unsure if I’ll be able to play hockey this fall, which is a bummer. Remember when I sliced my finger in the kitchen a couple of months ago? I still don’t have much mobility in that finger (meaning I can’t form a fist or fully grip anything with that hand, including things like a hockey stick) and it’s starting to be a little painful, so I’m off to see a hand specialist next week. Fingers crossed (no pun intended) that some physical therapy is all I need to get things right!

That little puppy Duke is just precious! They are a lot of work, but who can resist such a darling little face like that? I’m sorry to hear about your finger — hope that turns out ok. I’ve never done fantasy football, but I’m so happy the NFL is starting soon, plus my baseball team is #1 right now. So excited!

Duke is just adorable! Congrats on the new addition!
Your finger/hand…ouch. So sorry you are still struggling with this. I remember I had a wicked burn on my hand that took about 6 weeks to heal right around the time of your slice. And I am sorry to hear it hasn’t healed as well as could be. Good luck with the hand specialist.

Starbucks mocha frapp. I have a copycat caramel frapp recipe on my site and it’s Skinny. Only 50 cals in the whole thing! You could probably just add a bit of cocoa powder and omit the caramel and you’re set.

Duke is so precious!!! He looks like a Minnie me of Einstein. I look forward to more awesome doggie treats now that you have two to cook for. I also wanted to mention that I found your wonderful site three nights ago, and I am hooked! I have told a few of my friends to visit your site so they can get hooked also. Lol.

I have a great coffee punch recipe that I have had for over 30 years…..way before Starbucks!! It is aa espresso base with chocolate syrup and milk, that you keep in the fridge. To serve, you pour it over Breyers French vanilla ice cream!! Email me if you want the recipe!!!

Duke is adorbs! Love that Einstein is protective of him. Yes, bring on the hockey! But, oh noooooo! So sorry to hear about your hand, Michelle. Good luck seeing the specialist. I truly hope you have some good options to get back in the swing of things. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Labor Day holiday weekend!

OMG that little guy is SO cute!!! We’ve been wanting to get a puppy, but fall is such a busy time for us that we’ll have to wait
I also had a draft this past week…my first time! I thought my team was pretty good, but Yahoo gave it a C. Oh well, we’ll see how things go!

I’ve been waiting all week for you to reveal the new addition! He is absolutely adorable!! I’m glad Einstein is adjusting well…it takes a little bit for them to get used to not having all the attention to themselves but in the end they end up being inseparable! Good luck with the training and I can’t wait for Einstein and Duke picture overload!

Ohhh, Duke it SO ADORABLE!! I LOVE that you share your pics of “your babies”! They always make me smile. Our Golden, Lexi died 2 1/2 yrs ago & I’m still not over it. Einstein reminds me so much of my Lexi, it makes me smile! Thanks!

Congratulations on bringing Duke into your family; he is such a sweet little love-fluff! I remember when we brought our Irish Setter, Sienna, home (she was 10 weeks old) and how the sleepless nights never seemed to end, but they do! Good call on the large pitcher of iced coffee! Hoping your finger heals quickly–healing thoughts coming your way!

Duke is a cutie-patootie. We have always been a two Goldie family and fun to watch the bond grow between the younger and older one. Love the idea of photo challenge, just afraid that I’ll find myself playing catchup at the end of each week. Love your site, have shared it numerous times. Knowing you are a Goldie lover is like icing on a cake for me!

Oh, I want to bury my nose into Duke’s fur and smell his puppiness, but I also want to love on Einstein and tug on his silky-soft ears. I adore Goldens and miss ours dearly. Thanks for sharing yours today. I also like (and don’t like) that cleaning schedule on Pinterest. I need to quit dragging my heels and get into a rhythm with it too. Maybe this will help. I’ll set down for a while and think on it a bit.

You made my day! You brought a huge smile to my face with the pics of your Goldie’s!
I have 2 Goldies, myself, & it brought back memories of when they were pups! So, Thank you! I love your blog & always look forward to it! so glad I joined!

OHHH MY!!! What a great picture of those two sitting there together. We had a 13 year old 1/2 Lab-1/2 Golden who was black when we got our Golden puppy who is now 15 months old. I have a similar picture of our two from last Steeler season and I called them my Black & Gold Duo. Our sweet Lab-Golden passed away right before Easter. I am beginning the search for another Golden puppy & can NOT wait to get one . . . I’m figuring that when I get this new pup I”ll also be getting a 2nd vacuum :). The Penguin ticket ordering has begun in our home too in anticipation of Sept 6th. Can’t wait! Fantasy Football was the rage here last weekend as we held our league’s draft. September will kick off with such a huge amount of excitement between Steelers football and Penguins hockey tickets going on sale. Good luck with your Fantasy Football team!